Field test: PV Modules

A real world comparison between Mono, Poly, PERC and Dual PV Modules.

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Romania
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Installation date: 09-03-2020
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Irradiance

* This is a field test and the results are specific for this installation on this location please research which is the best solution for your own situation as the results can be different based on environmental influences.

Total solar yield as of 27/03/2023 when the results were reset:
Mono: 9158 kWh
Split-cell: 9511 kWh
Poly: 9113 kWh
Perc: 9471 kWh
Perc-east: 1970 kWh
Perc-west: 1730 kWh

CCGX v2.03: Fix short absorption time for lead batteries

Good day,

Just now we released CCGX v2.03. This update fixes an issue with a (too) short absorption time for lead batteries. Note that this is really only for lead batteries. The issue does not apply to lithium batteries.

The problem occurs when the charge type in VEConfigure is set to ‘Adaptive’, or ‘Adaptive + Battery Safe’. The latter is the default setting for lead batteries: GEL, AGM, OPzV, OPzS and Traction. Systems configured for Lithium batteries are not affected as then the charge type is set to a fixed absorption time.

The problem was introduced in CCGX firmware version v2.00.

What must be done?

In systems where the CCGX has already been upgraded to v2.00 or later, I recommend you to update it to v2.03. This includes all ESS systems, by definition.

Systems that still have their CCGX running on v1.74 or earlier do not need to be updated. Unless running a Hub-1 Assistant, policy 1 and 3, that is. See below, system type C and D for details on that.

Details of affected systems

System type A (BMV & CCGX v2.00 or later)

In systems with all four of the above components, the too-short absorption time occurs whilst charging from mains, genset or with a grid-tie PV Inverter. And, only for ESS systems, the MPPT Solar charger absorption time is also too short.

Solution: update CCGX to v2.03

System type B (no BMV, CCGX v2.00 or later, ESS Optimize mode, and only MPPTs: no grid-tie PV Inverters)

In systems with those five properties, and no BMV installed, nor any grid-tie PV Inverters, the too-short absorption time occurs as well. Also the MPPT Solar charger absorption time will be too short.

Solution: update CCGX to v2.03

System type C (Hub-1 Assistant with CCGX)

Solution: Update to CCGX v2.03, and make sure the Multi or Quattro firmware version is 402 or higher.

System type D (Hub-1 Assistant without CCGX)

Solution: Set the charge curve, in VEConfigure, to ‘Fixed’ instead of ‘Adaptive’ (default). Or; add a CCGX to the system, updated to v2.03 and make sure the Multi or Quattro firmware version is 402 or higher.

More changes

Besides that described above, there are a few more changes:

How to update the CCGX?

To update a CCGX that is already running v2.00, see the update instructions. Most of those systems will automatically update themselves during the night.

To update a CCGX still running  v1.74 or earlier, you need to -manually- upgrade it. See the upgrade to v2 instructions.

Conclusion

Many thanks to Martin G. for helping me get to the bottom of this problem. You are welcome to leave Disqus comments below.

Have a good day, Matthijs

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